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| Minister of Defence Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (6th Right), Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (5th Right), Chairman House Committee on Nigerian Navy, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi (7th Right) and other dignitaries on board the newly acquired Nigerian Navy Ship KADA during the ceremonial change of flag and handover of the Ship to Nigeria |
The Federal Government has acquired a new landing ship for the Nigerian Navy to boost security in the nationโs coastal waters as well as to enhance the power projection capabilities of the Navy.
Minister of Defence Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi while taking over the new ship in a colorful change of flag ceremony held in Sharjah, Dubai said the acquisition of the landing ship Tank 100 NNS KADA was to replace the two Navy ships including NNS AMBE and NNS OFIOM decommissioned 10 years ago by the Federal Government.
โThe induction of NNS KADA into the Nigerian Navy fleet will not only enhance the security of Nigerian Maritime environment but will serve as force multiplier in the projection of naval power capabilities for enhanced security in the Sub Regionโ. the Minister pointed out.
General Magashi added that NNS KADA would also play a vital role in Maritime crisis management by conveying relief materials in areas facing humanitarian crisis within West Africa and beyond.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment towards the recapitalization of the Nigerian Navy fleet to remain combat ready and alive to its constitutional responsibility.
The Minister urged the Commanding Officer and the Ship Company to โconsider yourselves as privileged to be in charge of the magnificent new ship built by one of the best shipyards in West Asiaโ.
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo in a welcome address described the home bound voyage of NNS KADA as a mile stone achievement in the Federal Government effort to sustain the development of its economy.
A statement by the Nigerian Navy indicates that NNS KADA shipโs journey to Nigeria would include ports visits to Oman, Kenya, South Africa, Angola, Gabon and expected to finally arrive Nigeria on May 27th, 2022.
